New Beginning

• Ellen Bowden, Grade 9
• Short Story
• 2015

The air was misty and smelt of rain. The nerves were kicking in and my heart was racing fast. I was just about to turn over a new chapter of my life. I walked up the drive, a port in each hand; I looked up and was immediately mesmerised by the grey stone building. I walked up the stone stairs, careful not to trip. I cautiously placed down each bag, I drew in a deep breath and closed my eyes. My reasons for being here flashed before my eyes.

Moments, memories, misery. I remembered back to my wedding day. I remembered how happy I was to be marrying John. Later that year I fell pregnant. But one day I woke up with the worst back pain. John was nowhere to be seen; I called for him. “John! John! Please come; John” I staggered, fear was surrounding me. Somehow I pulled myself up and stumbled to the kitchen. The moment I entered I knew something wasn’t right. I saw the newspaper, the morning’s headlines read, ‘World War One – Conscription.’ My eyes glanced sideways and caught sight of the note on the table. I reached for it, tears were swelling in my eyes. It read.

Dear Sarah,
I did not want to wake you this morning as you looked so peaceful. Unfortunately I may never see you again. The Government has made a decision to enforce conscription. I have packed all of my things. By the time you read this I will be gone. I hope to see you and our new baby shortly. I love you with all of my heart.
Your beloved husband,
John

I placed down the note. Tears were streaming down my face, a lump of fear, was swelling in my throat. I knew I would never see my beloved John again. He was not built to face the toughness of War. Suddenly my waters broke and I screamed. I heard someone’s footsteps I gasped, could it be John? The door burst open. Susan my neighbour galloped in. She had heard my screaming. About half an hour later the baby arrived. But I knew something wasn’t right. I heard no cries of a new born baby. I looked at Susan who had tears streaming down her cheeks. She handed me my baby girl. She wasn’t alive. At the very moment my heart had been torn in two. I didn’t know how I was going to live the rest of my life. Without my beloved husband and with no baby.

I opened my eyes and came back to the present. I didn’t want to go back over the past. I did not want to remind myself of the grief. All I wanted was to turn over a new chapter. I placed my hand on the knocker “Here I go,” I said to myself and knocked three times. I was greeted by Archibald and Lilias Craven. I smiled at them, picked up my bags and walked inside.